How Much Do You Know About Your Back?

You probably take your back for granted—until it starts to hurt. Think about it—your back is a part of your body that's in nearly constant use. Whether you're sitting, standing, or moving, your back and its muscles are providing support all day, every day. Test your knowledge of the back by taking this quiz.

1. How many bones are in your spine?

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

There are 33 bones are in the spinal column, from the skull to the tailbone.

A. 33B. 50C. 60D. 70

2. What position is best for your back when you sleep?

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

The best position for sleeping is on one side with the knees flexed toward the chest.

A. On your backB. On your stomachC. On one sideD. On one side with the knees flexed toward the chest

3. Which of these sports can cause dangerous back injuries?

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

Rough contact, twisting, and sudden movements in these sports can cause back injury.

A. SoccerB. VolleyballC. RacquetballD. All of the above

4. How many Americans will suffer back pain at some time in their lives?

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

Back pain is a frequent cause of short-term disability in people under age 45. Low back pain is the fifth leading reason that people visit their doctor.

A. 2 out of 5B. 1 out of 2C. 1 out of 3D. 4 out of 5

5. What is the average recovery time for low-back pain?

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

The average is 1 month, but it can take up to 6 weeks.

A. 2 weeksB. 1 monthC. 3 monthsD. Indefinite period

6. Disks cushion vertebrae in the back. What are they made of?

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

Ligaments encase the disk.

A. BoneB. TendonsC. CartilageD. Muscle

7. Which of these is a significant risk factor for backache?

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

Extra pounds strain muscles and joints.

A. Being underweightB. Being overweightC. Being tallD. Being short

8. Which of these measures will help a backache?

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

Apply ice or a cold pack the first 48 hours, then treat with heat. A massage by a certified massage therapist can help release tension and ease soreness. Staying in bed for long periods of time can make a backache worse because your muscles become stiff.

A. Several days of bed restB. MassageC. Ice packD. B and C

9. How should you lift a heavy object?

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

Keep the back straight and use your knees to lift.

A. Bend from the waistB. Squat, then liftC. Twist to set the object downD. Lock your knees

10. What are the warning signs of a herniated disk?

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

A herniated disk puts pressure on nerves resulting in pain. Herniated disks are most likely to occur in the lower back.

A. PainB. NumbnessC. Shooting back pain when you coughD. All of the above